Customer Reviews

Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this torch, because I saw some plumbers using one. It starts with a button push (utilyzing a built in piezoelectric spark generator), so you can turn it on and off without any hassel. My older torches all require an external ignition source, usually a flint spark tool used by oxy-acetylene welders. So, once I light one of my older torches, I usually leave it on. Also, I have separate MAPP and propane torches - this torch burns both gasses, and does not seem to spit or flare up on MAPP when inverted, as my older torches do. But it does cost twice as much. You get what you pay for. By the way, MAPP = MethylAcetylene ProPadiene.

Like other reviewers, I think the Bernz-o-Matic TS-4000 Trigger Start Torch Head is a good piece of plumbing equipment. My only addition to their comments is that I have been through three of these in about 5 years. They get to the point where the piezoelectric sparker just stops working. I am an average homeowner who uses the torch infrequently for plumbing, and almost weekly for starting the charcoal grill or wood stove. When the torch no longer sparks, it is just as good as any other, much cheaper, torch head.

I think my first trigger start Bernzomatic torch (not sure if exactly the same model)lasted about 15 years. Wife gave me a TS3000 for XMAS to replace it. I had to return it and cannot recommend the TS3000 since you have to manually turn the gas on and off. The TS4000 allows for one handed operation with gas flow and ignition controlled by a single knob. Squeeze..its on...release its off. I cannot imagine performing a large plumbing job without this tool.

Spend the extra money and get the upgraded model with an adjustable flame. It is very useful to have that adjustment capability. Also that model seems built better.

Never have I lived and worked so well now that I possess possibly the best propane torch ever invented. My life is now a bit more painless and more secure.Many thanks to the the creators of the Bernzomatic ts4000.
Truth to tell, I have used the old type of torches for many years. I have always felt a little uncomfortable using them. The torches are top heavy and when in use, working, it has always been troubling finding a place to sit the torch when lit that would not accidently fall over. At last I am free from finding a stiker to light it.I can easily turn it off and just lay it down. The additional safety feature of the torch, only being on when needed, and the effeciency of not burning any more fuel than one needs makes this tool one that every craftsman should own.This new design is well worth the money.

The features and durability of this torch are excellent, and I have no complaints about its performance. My only problem with it is that it is very heavy--at least twice as heavy as other such torches I've used (but those torches didn't have these features). This makes it slightly more tiring to use, but it also makes your torch top-heavy, which can make it more difficult to aim quickly, and easier to knock over. Nevertheless, great torch.

Of course, the Bernzomatic torch is meant for small household brazing and soldering for the house and hobbies. But my nephew bought one for me after our last summers rainy camping trip. It rained most of the time and all the wood was wet. We used our Coleman Deluxe 1 Burner Stove with Coleman gas containers to heat up kindling. It worked but was messy and wasted gas.

The Bernzomatic is so very hot that we just built a tee-pee like fire pit with semi-dry and wet wood. Within a few minutes of torching we had a roaring and crackling fire. In fact some of the four inch branches that were wet on the outside caught fire and stayed lit.

We used Coleman gas containers, like the ones you use for Coleman lanterns. The Bernzomatic is very easy on the grip and simple to use with a simple on/off button. It is extremely durable and safe, if you read the specifications on Amazon. This is a lifesaver for wet camping with safety.

I thought I'd invested a little extra money for convenience and durability. Wrong.
While the TS4000 I purchased from Amazon worked flawlessly for 8-10 hours of use, it won't start at all after having sat idle for 8 months. When I start it 'manually' via an aim-n-flame, it has a broad fan-shaped flame that doesn't heat property.

I guess the instruction manual should have said to test the TS4000 before each job, as it is not a dependable tool. Now I'm stuck with no water, an upset pregnant wife, and a run to Lowes to pick up another 'disposable' torch.

Shame on Bernzomatic.

UPDATE: The broad fan-like flame was caused by some "micro-webs" in the neck of the torch. While they didn't look like they could possibly block the airflow, I guess they were sufficient to disrupt the swirling mixture of air/propane. I blew them out with some compressed air and the TS40000 is acting like new. I now store the "torch" in a large zip-top freezer bag to keep out the beasties.

Shame on me for blaming Bernzomatic for my spider.

I got this after using my dad's while visiting my parents at their cabin in the mountains. There are a zillion uses for this thing -- lighting the grill, starting fires (stubborn green brush / wet wood don't stand a chance before this thing!), torching ant / hornet nests, lighting fireworks, soldering, joining pipes (if you're a plumber), etc.

After using my dad's Bernzomatic up there for a week, I knew I had to get one as soon as I got home... and I did.

This thing is sweet. You can use it with Propane or MAPP gas; MAPP is about 2.5x the price (around seven-fifty at my local HW store, whereas the Propane was something like three bucks) but burns much hotter. For my purposes (lighting fires, starting the grill, and roasting and beds... basically just playing around), normal Propane is more than sufficient. You can use the tall blue propane cylinders from your HW store, or the squat / fat dark green ones you'd normally use for your camp stove / lantern... it's a standard connection.

The Bernzomatic unit itself is built very solidly. THe whole thing is made from metal, excep the plastic clicker, which is still heavy-duty and feels nice and durable. It has a pleasant heft and a solid 'quality' feel, and is surprisingly ergonomic in the hand while connected to either the tall skinny containers or the short fat ones.

The unit will start on the first click almost every time -- sometimes it takes two clicks, and I believe this is because if you click it too fast, gas doesn't have time to actually reach the piezoelectric starter before it sparks. But this just means you click it twice (or wait a quarter of a second between pressing the button halfway and clicking it fully). The unit is, thus far, utterly reliable and very heavy duty.

Having bought this, I don't really see the need to invest in any more lighter fluid, normal butane lighters (or matches), or any of the other stuff I might've had to use in the past relating to fires and firestarting. This will probably meet all me fire-starting related needs.

If I had to sum up my review in two words, it'd be: BAD @SSSSSSSSS!

The torch worked on the first try and had few plastic parts save the trigger. While the combination on/off and trigger start button worked, it fit loosely in the torch body and did not have a positive on/off click making me wonder what position it was in. Also, while the tip produced good heat while holding it in any position, I would have liked the ability to adjust the intensity of the flame. My older Master Mechanic torch, while not built as ruggedly, had this option as well the trigger start and set in a one hand operation. Alas, the plastic body succumbed after being lent out.